Artist slammed for statue stunt

The art student who wrapped a 19th-century statue in red adhesive tape has been condemned for "cavalier mistreatment" of the equestrian bronze.

Eleonora Aguiara, 35, wrapped up the statue of Lord Napier, off Kensington Gore, for 11 days as part of her Royal College of Art graduation show last week. The student said she was working in the tradition of Michelangelo.

But eminent art figures have criticised her for being contemptuous of history and another artist's sculpture. Professor Philip King, president of the Royal Academy of Arts, and Sir David Williams, a former director of the British Museum, joined 13 others who condemned English Heritage and two London councils for allowing the "defacement".

The statue straddles the boroughs of Westminster-and Kensington and Chelsea. Ms Aguiara said: "I was careful to put clingfilm [under the tape] to protect the statue."

English Heritage added: "We encourage people to have imaginative ideas in relation to the historic environment, providing there are no conservation issues."